Identification and description of the momentum effect in studies of learning: An abstract science concept

Several studies of the validity of the intensive time series design have revealed a post-intervention increase in the level of achievement data. This so called “momentum effect” has not been demonstrated through the application of an appropriate analysis technique. The purpose of this study was to identify and apply a technique that would adequately represent and describe such an effect if indeed it does occur, and to use that technique to study the momentum effect as it is observed in several data sets on the learning of the concept of plate tectonics. Subsequent to trials of several different analyses, a segmented straight line regression analysis was chosen and used on three different data sets. Each set revealed similar patterns of inflection points between lines with similar time intervals between inflections for those data from students with formal cognitive tendencies. These results seem to indicate that this method will indeed be useful in representing and identifying the presence and duration of the momentum effect in time series data on achievement. Since the momentum effect could be described in each of the data sets and since its presence seems a function of similar circumstances, support is given for its presence in the learning of abstract scientific concepts for formal cognitive tendency students. The results indicate that the duration of the momentum effect is related to the level of student understanding tested and the cognitive level of the learners.     

Full time adult credential students'' instructional preferences at California State University, Long Beach:pedagogy or andragogy?

This study investigated the instructional preferences of full time adult credential students after they took a live course called Principles of Adult Education at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) in the fall semester of 2002. These full time adult credential students had been working on their adult teaching credentials to meet the competencies specified by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. The course introduced students to Andragogy developed by Malcolm Knowles out of the andragogical model developed by Lindeman (1926). The study used Principles of Adult Learning Scales (PALS), advanced by Gary Conti in 1983 to measure instructional preferences. Data were collected from 30 (100% of 30) full time adult credential students enrolled in a live course to determine their instructional preferences of helping adults learn. The results of the study showed in most cases these adult learning professionals taught adult students andragogically; in some cases they taught adult students pedagogically.     

Desarrollando sistemas de evaluación formativa y compartida en la docencia universitaria. Análisis de resultados de su puesta en práctica en la formación inicial del profesorado

In this article we present the results obtained from implementing a formative and shared assessment system in higher education (in initial physical education teacher education). This research on teacher education has been developing for more than 11 years. In this article, we present the objective of the study, a review of the literature on the topic, the methodology used, and the results obtained. Empirical data show that the assessment system has important advantages in teacher education and education generally: greater application and motivation of students, improved quality of learning processes, better learning and professional competence acquisition, better academic performance. Obviously, there are some difficulties, too, although these can be minimised and overcome with appropriate planning of the educational project and continuous assessment.     

Comparative investigation of the psychometric properties of three tests of logical thinking

Using a sample of 908 eleventh grade science stream male and female students from similar socioeconomic area schools, variance based psychometric properties of three paper-and-pencil tests of logical thinking (Longeot test, Lawson's test TOFR, and Tobin and Capie's test TOLT) are investigated. A sub-sample of 212 students took the three tests in randomly allocated different sequential orders of presentation, while 696 students took only two tests. Alfa coefficients for each test separately and for the three tests combined together, concurrent validity coefficients, measures of item difficulty, item discrimination, item-criterion correlation, and 30-day stability coefficients are calculated. Considering the relative homogeneity of the sample, the reliability coefficients of the tests are judged satisfactory, but concurrent validity coefficients are quite low which implies incongruency in decisions made on the basis of the three tests. Need for estimating various psychometric parameters of alternative tests of logical thinking over different grade populations is emphasized.     

Czechoslovakia: From revolution to reconstruction

As one of the countries in east-central Europe liberated in 1989 from Communist rule, Czechoslovakia is currently undergoing profound social, political, and economic changes. This article presents both the positive outcomes of the velvet revolution and a variety of problems that the country has to cope with. Of particular concern are three problem areas: the legacy of Communist rule, the unsettled relationship between Czechs and Slovaks, and the ruined national economy. Of the three problem areas, the latter is considered most painful, since it involves layoffs and thus directly affects the lives of individuals and families. The article reviews administrative initiatives undertaken by the government to modernize production and minimize unemployment. It also focuses on the changing role of helping professionals in Czechoslovakia. By reasserting their true mission-assist people rather than manipulate them-helping professionals can promote significant attitudinal changes in their society.     

The utilitarian and hedonic outcomes of music information-seeking in everyday life

This qualitative study focuses on what contributes to making a music information-seeking experience satisfying in the context of everyday life. Data were collected through in-depth interviews conducted with 15 younger adults (18 to 29 years old). The analysis revealed that satisfaction could depend on both hedonic (i.e., experiencing pleasure) and utilitarian outcomes. It was found that two types of utilitarian outcomes contributed to satisfaction: (1) the acquisition of music, and (2) the acquisition of information about music. Information about music was gathered to (1) enrich the listening experience, (2) increase one's music knowledge, and/or (3) optimize future acquisition. This study contributes to a better understanding of music information-seeking behavior in recreational contexts. It also has implications for music information retrieval systems design: results suggest that these systems should be engaging, include a wealth of extra-musical information, allow users to navigate among music items, and encourage serendipitous encountering of music.     

New regulatory institution for the convergence of broadcasting and telecommunications: A Korean case

This paper addresses a new case for the convergent regulatory institution for broadcasting and telecommunications in Korea. This paper emphasizes that, when considering a convergent regulatory body, Korea's main principle to establish is a reflection of the paradigm shift of convergence and IT industry. The proposal of the Korean Communications Commission addresses that as a prior factor. This paper deals with three characteristics in establishing the KCC: accommodating policy making and regulation together within a single institution; choosing a commission model as a new organizational type, which inherits a broadcasting legacy to ensure diversity and independence; combining content and network sector together. This paper attempts to show that the Korean model gives a power to the convergent regulatory institution to make the country remain one of the leading countries in information and communication sector as well as implement convergence of broadcasting and telecommunications successfully.     

Participatory democracy and the value of online community networks: An exploration of online and offline communities engaged in civil society and political activity

This article addresses the widely debated question of whether online communication through the Internet will fulfill its potential to enhance democratic processes in society. The paper reports the findings of a survey of groups engaged in some form of civic activity, in both online and offline groups. Comparisons are drawn between the responses of those engaged in both types of group to determine whether the motivations, behavior, and satisfaction of participants differ because of the medium of communication. Contrary to some expectations in the literature, the findings suggest that participants in online groups are marginally less satisfied with their participation in their group. The findings have implications for politicians, policy makers, and groups engaged in civil society when using online channels of communication for democratic discourse.     

Visual events and electronic government: What do pictures mean in digital government for citizen relations?

E-government is becoming more picture-oriented. What meaning do stakeholders attach to visual events and visualization? Comparative case study research show the functional meaning primarily refers to registration, integration, transparency and communication. The political meaning refers to new ways of framing in order to secure specific interests and claims. To what the institutional meaning relates is ambiguous: either it improves the position of citizens, or it reinforces the existing bias presented by governments. Hence, we expect that the emergence of a visualized public space, through omnipresent penetration of (mobile) multimedia technologies, will influence government–citizen interactions.     

Restructuring Taiwan's port state control inspection authority

To improve marine transportation safety, countries around the world have established authorities dedicated to implementing port state control (PSC). Appropriate measures have also been taken to ensure that these dedicated organizations are given enough power to carry out their duties independently and credibly as a safety mechanism. In contrast, Taiwan's existing PSC inspections are administrated by commercial port authorities, causing impartiality. The disadvantages of such a system become evident when a ship is found to have critical faults, because commercial port authorities have difficulty deciding whether the ship should be detained. Under such circumstances, the impartiality and objectivity of these port authorities are often questioned. Therefore, the restructuring of port authorities to improve dedication and objectivity is a critical issue in the implementation of PSC. This research uses three stages of methodology: (1) the in-depth expert interviews aim to gather information; (2) the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) calculates the weight of guidelines and evaluates feasible solutions. Port state control officers (PSCOs), maritime transport operators, and the staffs of competent authorities are used as the respondents of this expert questionnaire; and (3) the close-loop questionnaire survey evaluates and confirms the results of the above two research processes. The objective of this research is to create the best solution for introducing an independent authority dedicated to managing Taiwan's PSC tasks. Based on the evaluation of this research study, the optimal solution is to establish an independent government agency under the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC). An alternative optimal solution is to form a PSC committee under MOTC, which would serve as a temporary measure if legislation for establishing an independent government agency is delayed. These solutions would improve the PSC in Taiwan and strengthen marine transportation safety.